Chapter10 The Further Adventures of Toad蜡蜍历险续记-双语名著无障碍阅读丛书——《柳林风声The Wind in the Willows》

Chapter Ten The Further Adventures of Toad The front door of the hollow tree faced eastwards,so Toad was called at an early hour;partly by the bright sunlight streaming in on him,partly by the exceeding coldness of his toes,which made him dream that he was at home in bed in his own handsome room with the Tudor window,on a cold winter's night,and his bedclothes had got up,grumbling and protesting they couldn't stand the cold any longer,and had run downstairs to the kitchen fire to warm themselves;and he had followed,on bare feet,along miles and miles of icy stone-paved passages, arguing and beseeching them to be reasonable.He would probably have been aroused much earlier,had he not slept for some weeks on straw over stone flags, and almost forgotten the friendly feeling of thick blankets pulled well up round the chin. Sitting up,he rubbed his eyes first and his complaining toes next,wondered for a moment where he was,looking round for familiar stone wall and little barred window;then,with a leap of the heart,remembered everything-his escape,his flight,his pursuit;remembered,first and best thing of all,that he was free! Free!The word and the thought alone were worth fifty blankets.He was warm from end to end as he thought of the jolly world outside,waiting eagerly for him to make his triumphal entrance,ready to serve him and play up to him,anxious to help him and to keep him company,as it always had been in ·242· 第十章 蟾蜍历险续记 树洞正面朝着太阳升起的方向，于是蟾蜍很早就醒 了，一定程度上是由于明亮的阳光直照着他，还因为他 的脚趾冻得要命，这导致他做梦梦到自已躺在他那装有 都铎式窗户的漂亮房间的床上。那是一个寒冷的冬夜， 他的被子从床上爬起来，一个劲儿地抱怨着抗议着说这 么冷它再也受不了了，于是向楼下跑去想要到厨房的炉 火边暖一暖，蟾蜍光着脚紧追着它们，跑过几英里冰冰 凉的石头路，一路上和被子争论着，恳求着它讲点道理。 ①beseech[bi'sitk哀求， 恩求 要不是蟾蜍之前在石板上的稻草窝里睡过好几个星期， 几乎忘了厚实的毛毯掖在下巴的温馨感觉，他说不定会 醒得更早呢。 蟾蜍坐了起来，先揉了揉眼睛，又揉了揉冻得叫 唤的脚趾头，迷迷糊糊地想了一会儿他到底在哪儿， 他四下里张望，找寻那熟悉的石墙和铁栏小窗，然后 他心猛地一跳，想起了所有的一切一他越狱逃亡、 搭顺风车、还有那些追捕他的人，想起了天大的好事， 他现在自由了！ 自由！单这一个词，单这一个念想就值回五十条毛 毯。当他想到外面的世界正愉快地等待着他凯旋归来， 像他落难之前一样随时准备着为他服务效劳，迫不及待 ·243· Chapter Ten The Further Adventures of Toad days of old before misfortune fell upon him.He shook himself and combed the dry leaves out of his hair with his fingers;and,his toilet complete,marched forth into the comfortable morning sun,cold but confident,hungry but hopeful, all nervous terrors of yesterday dispelled by rest and sleep and frank and heartening sunshine. He had the world all to himself,that early summer morning.The dewy woodland,as he threaded it,was solitary and still;the green fields that succeeded the trees were his own to do as he liked with;the road itself,when he reached it, in that loneliness that was everywhere,seemed,like a stray dog,to be looking anxiously for company.Toad,however,was looking for something that could talk,and tell him clearly which way he ought to go.It is all very well,when you have a light heart,and a clear conscience,and money in your pocket,and nobody scouring the country for you to drag you off to prison again,to follow where the road beckons and points,not caring whither.The practical Toad cared very much indeed,and he could have kicked the road for its helpless silence when every minute was of importance to him. The reserved rustic road was presently joined by a shy little brother in the shape of a canal which took its hand and ambled along by its side in perfect confidence,but with the same tongue-tied,uncommunicative attitude towards strangers.Bother them!'said Toad to himself.But,anyhow,one thing's clear. They must both be coming from somewhere and going to somewhere.You can't get over that,Toad,my boy!'So he marched on patiently by the water's edge. Round a bend in the canal came plodding a solitary horse,stooping forward as if in anxious thought.From rope traces attached to his collar stretched a long line,taut,but dipping with his stride,the further part of it dripping pearly drops.Toad let the horse pass,and stood waiting for what the fates were sending him. With a pleasant swirl of quiet water at its blunt bow the barge slid up alongside of him,its gaily painted gunwale level with the towing-path,its ·244· 第十章塘蜍历险续记 地为他排忧解难，他就觉得从头顶到脚趾都暖和了起 来。他抖了抖身子，用手指把头发上的枯树叶扯下来， ①dispel[dis'pel】y消除， 梳洗完毕后，阔步走进了晨光中。身上虽觉得冷，但心 消释，使消散，使渍散 中充满了自信；肚子虽饿，但希望却是满怀。经过了一 夜休整，再加上头顶上热情的阳光，昨天那惊心动魄的 紧张情绪消失得无影无踪了。 在这个夏日的清晨，整个世界都是他的。当他踏过 沾满露水的林地时，那儿静悄悄的：走过林地，是一片 绿油油的田野，他可以在那儿想干什么就干什么：走到 大道上时，到处都是冷冷清清的，那大道像是只迷路的 小狗，焦急地寻找着伙伴。然而蟾蜍要找的是会讲话的 东西，能给他指个路。要是你心情愉悦，清白无罪，口 ②scour[skau]擦净， 袋里塞满了钱，又没有人满世界地搜捕你要把你重新扔 擦亮 进监狱，那你顺着道路信步而行，不管往哪儿走，走到 哪儿都挺好。但是现实的蟾蜍却忧心忡忡，每一分钟对 他来说都至关紧要，而那条路却硬是不开口，气得蟾蜍 恨不得瑞它几脚。 ③canal[ka'nal]n.(引水 这条缄默的乡间道路不一会儿就碰上了他羞涩的小 灌凝用的)水渠，渠道 兄弟水渠。水渠牵着道路的手，自信满满地和同它漫步 前行，但他对陌生人也同样紧闭双唇，一句话不说。“不 管他们了！”蟾蜍自言自语道，“不过有一点是清楚的。 他们俩肯定是一起从什么地方来，要去什么地方。这准 错不了。蟾蜍，好家伙！”于是他耐心地沿着水渠边大 步走着。 顺着水渠拐了个弯，迎面走来一匹孤零零的马，拖 ④taut[ot)a（绳子等) 着沉重的步子，费力向前佝偻着身体，一副心事重重的 拉紧的，细紧的 样子。他颈圈上拉着一条长长的绳子，拽得紧紧的，上 ⑤blunt [blant]a.钝的，不 锋利的 面挂满了水珠，较远的一边更是滴着珍珠般的大水滴。 ⑥barge[bad】n.(在内 河、运河或港湾航行的) 蟾蜍给马儿让了路，站在那儿等着看命运将会给他送来 驳船，大型平底船 什么。 ⑦gaily[geili]ad.欢乐地， 快乐地 在运河缓缓的弯道里，平静的水面搅起一个快乐的 ⑧gunwale[ganal]n.舷缘， 舷边，甲板边缘 漩涡，接着，一艘驳船滑到了他的边上。船舷漆成了鲜 ·245· Chapter Ten The Further Adventures of Toad sole occupant a big stout woman wearing a linen sun-bonnet,one brawny arm laid along the tiller. 'A nice morning,ma'am!'she remarked to Toad,as she drew up level with him. 'I dare say it is,ma'am!'responded Toad politely,as he walked along the tow-path abreast of her.'I dare say it is a nice morning to them that's not in sore trouble,like what I am.Here's my married daughter,she sends off to me post- haste to come to her at once;so off I comes,not knowing what may be happening or going to happen,but fearing the worst,as you will understand,ma'am,if you're a mother,too.And I've left my business to look after itself-I'm in the washing and laundering line,you must know,ma'am-and I've left my young children to look after themselves,and a more mischievous and troublesome set of young imps doesn't exist,ma'am,and I've lost all my money,and lost my way,and as for what may be happening to my married daughter,why,I don't like to think of it,ma'am!' 'Where might your married daughter be living,ma'am?'asked the barge- woman. 'She lives near to the river,ma'am,'replied Toad.'Close to a fine house called Toad Hall,that's somewheres hereabouts in these parts.Perhaps you may have heard of it.' "Toad Hall?Why,I'm going that way myself,'replied the barge-woman. 'This canal joins the river some miles further on,a little above Toad Hall;and then it's an easy walk.You come along in the barge with me,and I'll give you a lift..’ She steered the barge close to the bank,and Toad,with many humble and grateful acknowledgments,stepped lightly on board and sat down with great satisfaction.'Toad's luck again!'thought he.'I always come out on top!' 'So you're in the washing business,ma'am?'said the barge-woman politely, as they glided along.'And a very good business you've got too,I dare say,if I'm not making too free in saying so.' ·246· 第十章蟾蜍历险续记「 ①brawny[bra:ni]a.强壮 艳的颜色，上缘和纤道齐平，上面唯一的乘客是一位高 的，肌肉发达（或结实 的)的 大壮硕、带着一顶亚麻遮阳帽的女人，她那粗壮有力的 手臂搭在舵柄上。 “今天早晨天气真好啊，太太！”她把船驾到蟾蜍 身边，跟他打招呼道。 “是的，太太！”蟾蜍礼貌地回答道，和她平行着 走在纤道上，“我想对那些没什么烦恼的人来说，这的 确是个不错的早晨，可借我并不是。我那结婚的女儿 写了一封十万火急的信叫我尽快过来，于是我就赶来 了，也不知道她那儿出了什么事儿，或者要出什么事 儿，就怕出什么坏事儿。太太，您要也是位母亲的话， 肯定理解我的心情。我丢下手上的营生—我是洗衣 2 mischievous ['mistfivas] a.(人、行为等)恶作 妇，太太您肯定知道一撇下了家里的小不点儿，让 剧的，爱捣乱的 他们自己照顾自己。这群捣蛋鬼，没有谁比他们更调 ③imp[impn.小淘气，顽 童 皮捣蛋惹是生非的了，太太。可我现在丢了钱，又迷 了路，我那女儿到底会出什么事儿，哎呀，太太，我 真是都不想去想！” “太太，您那出嫁的女儿住在哪里？”船娘问道。 “她就住在大河附近，太太。”蟾蜍回应道，“挨着 一所叫蟾蜍庄园的漂亮房子，应该就在这一带附近，您 可能听说过吧。” “蟾蜍庄园？哎呀，我正好往那个方向去。”船娘 回答说，“再下去几英里，不到蟾蜍庄园那块儿，这条 水渠会和大河汇合起来。从那儿走过去很近的。你上船 来吧，我捎你一程。” 她把驳船开到河堤边上，蟾蜍嘴里不停地道着谢， 轻盈地踏到船上，心满意足地坐了下来。“我又交上 好运啦！”他想道，“我总能化险为夷，吉人自有天 相！” “这么说您是洗衣妇喽，太太？”他们一同滑行时， 船娘礼貌地问道，“您要是不嫌我多嘴，我觉得这是个 不错的营生。” ·247· Chapter Ten The Further Adventures of Toad 'Finest business in the whole county,'said Toad airily.'All the gentry come to me-wouldn't go to anyone else if they were paid,they know me so well.You see,I understand my work thoroughly,and attend to it all myself. Washing,ironing,clear-starching,making up gents'fine shirts for evening wear-everything's done under my own eye!' But surely you don't do all that work yourself,ma'am?'asked the barge- woman respectfully. 'Oh,I have girls,'said Toad lightly:'Twenty girls or thereabouts,always at work.But you know what girls are,ma'am!Nasty little hussies,that's what I call 'em!' 'So do I,too,'said the barge-woman with great heartiness.But I dare say you set yours to rights,the idle trollops!And are you very fond of washing?' I love it,'said Toad.'I simply dote on it.Never so happy as when I've got both arms in the wash-tub.But,then,it comes so easy to me!No trouble at all! A real pleasure,I assure you,ma'am!' What a bit of luck,meeting you!'observed the barge-woman thoughtfully. 'A regular piece of good fortune for both of us!' 'Why,what do you mean?'asked Toad nervously. 'Well,look at me,now,'replied the barge-woman.'I like washing,too, just the same as you do;and for that matter,whether I like it or not I have got to do all my own,naturally,moving about as I do.Now my husband,he's such a fellow for shirking his work and leaving the barge to me,that never a moment do I get for seeing to my own affairs.By rights he ought to be here now,either steering or attending to the horse,though luckily the horse has sense enough to attend to himself.Instead of which,he's gone off with the dog, to see if they can't pick up a rabbit for dinner somewhere.Says he'll catch me up at the next lock.Well,that's as may be-I don't trust him,once he gets off with that dog,who's worse than he is.But,meantime,how am I to get on with my washing?' ·248· 第十章蟾蜍历险续记「 ①airily[eoroli]ad..活泼 “是全国最好的营生了。”蟾蜍神气地说道，“所有 地，轻盈地，轻快地 上流人士都上我这儿洗衣服一他们和我很熟，不肯去 别家洗，哪怕倒贴钱给他们也不肯。你要知道，我熟悉 我工作的每个环节，亲力亲为，不管是洗涤、熨烫、上 浆，还是为绅士缝制赴宴的考究衬衫一所有这一切都 在我眼皮子底下完成的！” “不过太太，这些事你不必亲自做吧？”船娘充满 敬意地问道。 “噢，我手下有很多姑娘，”蟾蜍轻巧地说道，“大 概二十来个吧，一刻不停地给我干活。不过太太，你是 知道这些姑娘们的！邋遏的小娘们，我就是这么叫她们 的！” ②trollop[trolop]n.遂遏 女子，懒婆娘 “我也是。”船娘打心眼里赞同道，“她们就是一帮 游手好闲的懒虫！不过我猜您一定把她们调教得规规矩 矩的。那您很喜欢洗衣服喽？” “喜欢，”蟾蜍说道，“喜欢得不得了。没有比把两 手泡在洗衣池里更快活的了！而且洗衣服对我来说小菜 一碟，一点儿都不费劲！我跟你说太太，那真是一种 享受！” “遇到你真是太幸运了！”船娘若有所思地说道， “我俩真是都交上好运了！” “嗯，这话怎么讲？”蟾蜍紧张地问道。 “您瞧。”船娘回应道，“我也像你一样喜欢洗衣服， 其实不管我喜不喜欢，这事儿都得我做。我每天都驾船 跑东跑西，衣服自然也是走到哪儿洗到哪儿。我家老头 爱偷懒，把驳船交给我开，所以我哪有时间料理家务。 照理说，他现在应该在这儿，要么掌舵，要么喂马，幸 亏那马还算听话，知道自个儿管好自个儿。可他早带上 狗打猎去了，说去什么地方打只野兔回来做晚饭，会在 下一个水闸那里赶上我。也许吧一可他一旦带上那条 狗出去，那就不好说了，一句话都信不了，那狗比他还 坏—这样一来，我怎么洗得了我的衣服？” ·249· Chapter Ten The Further Adventures of Toad 'O,never mind about the washing,'said Toad,not liking the subject.'Try and fix your mind on that rabbit.A nice fat young rabbit,I'll be bound.Got any onions?' 'I can't fix my mind on anything but my washing,'said the barge-woman, 'and I wonder you can be talking of rabbits,with such a joyful prospect before you.There's a heap of things of mine that you'll find in a corner of the cabin. If you'll just take one or two of the most necessary sort-I won't venture to describe them to a lady like you,but you'll recognise'em at a glance-and put them through the wash-tub as we go along,why,it'll be a pleasure to you,as you rightly say,and a real help to me.You'll find a tub handy,and soap,and a kettle on the stove,and a bucket to haul up water from the canal with.Then I shall know you're enjoying yourself,instead of sitting here idle,looking at the scenery and yawning your head off.' "Here,you let me steer!'said Toad,now thoroughly frightened,'and then you can get on with your washing your own way.I might spoil your things,or not do'em as you like.I'm more used to gentlemen's things myself.It's my special line.' 'Let you steer?'replied the barge-woman,laughing.'It takes some practice to steer a barge properly.Besides,it's dull work,and I want you to be happy.No, you shall do the washing you are so fond of,and I'll stick to the steering that I understand.Don't try and deprive me of the pleasure of giving you a treat!' Toad was fairly cornered.He looked for escape this way and that,saw that he was too far from the bank for a flying leap,and sullenly resigned himself to his fate.'If it comes to that,'he thought in desperation,'I suppose any fool can wash!' He fetched tub,soap,and other necessaries from the cabin,selected a few garments at random,tried to recollect what he had seen in casual glances through laundry windows,and set to. A long half-hour passed,and every minute of it saw Toad getting crosser and crosser.Nothing that he could do to the things seemed to please them or do ·250· 第十章 蟾蜍历险续记 “噢别想洗衣服的事了。”蟾蜍说道，他一点儿都 不喜欢这个话题，“你只管专心想想那兔子就行了。我 打赌肯定是只又肥又嫩的兔子。你有洋葱吗？” “除了那些要洗的衣服，其他的我什么都想不了。” 船娘说道，“我倒纳闷了，眼前有这么桩美差摆在您面 前，您还有心思聊着兔子呀。在船舱的角落有我一堆 要洗的衣服。您只需从里面挑几件最需要洗的一我 可不敢对您这样一位太太直说是什么，不过你瞅一眼 就知道了，无需我多说—趁我们赶路的时候您把衣 服放洗衣槽里洗洗，哎呀，就像您刚说的，这对您是 ①kettle[ketn.水壶，茶 壶 一桩乐事，对我而言可是帮了我大忙。那儿有现成的 洗衣桶、肥皂，炉灶上有水壶，还有个水桶，可以从 水渠里提水上来。这样一来，我才能让您自得其乐， 免得像现在一样无所事事地坐着，闲得只能看看风景 打打哈欠。” “这样，让我来掌舵吧！”蟾蜍说道，整个儿慌了 神，“这样你就可以依你自己的方式去洗衣服了。我可 能会把衣服洗坏的，或者洗得让你不满意。我还是更习 惯洗绅士的衣服，那是我专长。” “你来掌舵？”船娘大笑着回答道，“开驳船可得 花点儿功夫学学才行。而且，这可枯燥了，我是想让您 开心。不，您去干您喜欢的洗衣活，我来掌我熟悉的舵。 我想好好款待您一番，您可别辜负了我一片好意啊！” 蟾蜍被逼得无话可说，他想逃出驳船，但往四下里 一瞧，发现船离岸太远，跃都跃不过去，无可奈何之下， 他只能听任命运摆布。“如果真只能这样的话，”他绝望 地想道，“我想傻瓜都会洗衣服的吧！” 他从船舱里拿出了洗衣桶、肥皂和其他一些需要的 东西，胡乱捡了几件衣服，脑子里回忆着他经过洗衣房 窗口时不经意瞥到的一些场景，然后动手洗了起来。 漫长的半小时过去了，每过一分钟，蟾蜍就变得 更恼火。无论他做什么，似乎都无法让手中的衣服开心。 ·251·